About MOLST in Massachusetts

During April - December 2010, a demonstration program to test the Massachusetts MOLST process and form is being implemented in participating MOLST demonstration sites in the Greater Worcester area.

Planning for a Massachusetts Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) program began with the enactment of Section 43 of Acts of 2008.

It required a pilot program to "test the implementation of a physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) paradigm program to assist individuals in communicating end-of-life care directives across care settings in at least 1 region of the commonwealth" in order to "make recommendations for the establishment of a statewide program."  

Different versions of POLST paradigm programs and forms are used in other states.  However, the Massachusetts MOLST process and form are tailored to the unique health care systems, laws, environment and needs of Massachusetts residents.

Only the Massachusetts MOLST form may be used to establish Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment in Massachusetts.

Origin of MOLST
Massachusetts MOLST is modeled on the POLST paradigm, which was developed to provide a mechanism to communicate patients’ end-of-life treatment preferences across treatment settings and to improve the implementation of advance care planning.

MOLST in Massachusetts
Legislation to establish a MOLST program in Massachusetts was one outcome of many years of discussion and planning by citizens and health care professionals.

Policy
Read the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s circular letter in support of MOLST and find out how MOLST relates to national policies, such as the Patient Self-Determination Act.

Evaluation
Find out how the Massachusetts MOLST demonstration project is being evaluated to inform recommendations for establishing a state-wide MOLST program.

Glossary of Terms
The words used to discuss end-of-life care issues are often confused by the public and health professionals alike. These definitions may be helpful.